Be True: Life in Literature
In each episode of Be True, John Tessitore reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through literature. John is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate whose poems have appeared in various journals and who has published chapbooks and novellas. He has also worked as a journalist, biographer, editor, and teacher, and currently directs a national language-education association.
Episodes
Democracy and the “Strain of Civilization”: Episode 151
John reads an excerpt from Karl Popper’s book, The Open Society and its Enemies. He discusses the accumulation of power, our willingness to follow leaders, and the stakes of this historical moment.In each episode of Be True: Life in Literature—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with a
Teaching Springsteen in Summer School: Episode 150
John reads a section of his book American Magpie: Life and Liberal Arts. He discusses his best day as a teacher, the power of art to shape culture, and Bruce’s influence on his past and future work.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through literatu
Humanities and the Good Life: Episode 149
John reads a passage of his new book, American Magpie: Life and Liberal Arts. He discusses threats to American education, getting society unstuck, lessons from Dostoevsky, and humanists in basements.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through literat
Environmental Crisis and “Dark, Satanic Mills”: Episode 148
John reads the preface to William Blake’s epic poem, Milton. He also discusses alternative paths to grace, power flooding the zone, coal and the dangers of deregulation, and crazy poetic prophesies.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through literatu
New York After The Attack: Episode 147
John reads “What is Worth Saving?” from his poem-chapbook For a Minute There, It Seemed Like Something Was Happening. He discusses the 25th anniversary of 9/11, public mourning, and optimism on-hold.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through literat
Gatsby’s Great Hope for the Future: Episode 146
John reads the opening paragraphs of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. He also discusses effortful optimism, nostalgia for the old America-even during the Jazz Age-and perfect sentences.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through literat
Chaplin for the Trump Era: Episode 145
John reads “Chaplinesque,” a poem by Hart Crane. He discusses the art and significance of Charlie Chaplin, the importance of sentimentality in cruel times, the threat of open-heartedness, and kittens.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through litera
Tom Waits, T.S. Eliot, and Birds: Episode 144
John reads an excerpt of his forthcoming book, American Magpie: Life and Liberal Arts. He discusses education in-crisis, the literature of fragment-assembly, and drops in some ornithological trivia.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through literatu
Hemingway's Anxious Young Men: Episode 143
John reads “A Very Short Story” by Ernest Hemingway. He discusses the writer’s cultural influence, the “masculine” in literature, American style in conflict with substance, and great Italian lovers.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through literatu
Fighting Depression with Amy Lowell: Episode 142
John reads Amy Lowell’s poem, “Fatigue.” He also discusses the persistence of the life force, the confusion of living in darkness, recognizing coping strategies, and the ultimate importance of sex. In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through literatu
John Keats, Perfect Songs, and Perfect Poems: Episode 141
John reads John Keats’s “Ode on a Grecian Urn.” He also discusses the alchemy of art, the pursuit of the impossible, and the problem with “perfection”...all in tribute to the late singer Glen Hansard.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through litera
Personal Odysseys and the Problem with Empathy: Episode 140
John reads a section of his long poem “My City of Yesterday.” He also discusses the challenges of navigating our individual journeys, the importance of metaphors, and feeling like we’re always at-sea.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through litera
Fighting Anxiety with Medea: Episode 139
John reads Medea’s interior monologue from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. He also discusses anxious minds in anxious times; the circularity, desperation, and compulsion of anxiety; and the need for compassion.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through litera
Wallace Stevens and Late-Career Success: Episode 138
John reads “Tea at the Palaz of Hoon,” a poem by Wallace Stevens. He also discusses persistence, the self-knowledge that comes with maturity, his own late start, and the surprising rise of Vozinha.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and sometimes his own, inviting listeners to live more fully with and through literatur
Birthrights, American Identity, and a Prayer on Independence Day: Episode 137
John reads “A Prayer for Us,” a poem by Crisosto Apache. He also discusses the nation’s 250th anniversary, American ambivalence, his friendship with a U.S. Supreme Court justice, and a lifelong crush.Visit crisostoapache.com for more about the poet featured in this episode.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—John reads and discusses the writing he loves, and someti
Reading Dōgen with Lyme Disease: Episode 136
John reads poems by the Japanese poet, philosopher, and founder of Sōtō Zen, Eihei Dōgen. He also discusses his struggles with autoimmune disease and stress management, and his interest in meditation.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer
Odysseus Alone, Coming Home: Episode 135
John reads the opening of The Odyssey, Homer’s epic poem. He also discusses the power of literature to create community, and why he’s rooting for the success of Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer, and
"Invictus" and the Soul Unbowed and Unafraid: Episode 134
John reads “Invictus,” a poem by William Ernest Henley. He also discusses his need for a team, the limits of heroic individual, the importance of community, and the special courage of Nelson Mandela.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer,
Robert Frost Goes Forth and Prospers: Episode 133
John reads Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.” He also discusses a wistful graduation season, clichéd commencement addresses, the power of confidence, and the secret of his father’s success.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer, an
Emily Dickinson and the Effect of "Everything": Episode 132
John reads Emily Dickinson’s poem “The Brain-is wider than the Sky.” He discusses needless fear, his evolution as a writer and person, and what he learned while being interviewed on a recent podcast.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer,
Montaigne Loves to Doubt as Well as to Know: Episode 131
John reads a passage from Michel de Montaigne’s essay “On the Education of Children.” He also champions teachers, defends humanities education, previews a new long essay, and reviews his life’s work.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer,
Tell Us, Yeats. Are We Acting Honorably?: Episode 130
John reads “The Second Coming,” a poem by William Butler Yeats. He also discusses the challenge of meeting this moment of historic change, fighting America’s decline, and losing unless everyone wins.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer,
W.E.B DuBois, Race, and the Right Kind of Discrimination: Episode 129
John reads a passage of The Souls of Black folk, by W.E.B. DuBois. He discusses the Supreme Court’s vile, racist decision in Louisiana vs. Callais, and the persistence of the color line in America.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer, a
D.H. Lawrence and Sinful Fruit: Episode 128
To celebrate spring, John reads “Pomegranate,” a poem by D.H. Lawrence. He also discusses the beauty of...the birds and the bees, the hypocrisy of our species, stupid euphemisms, and The Beach Boys.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer,
An Earth Day Message: Episode 127
John reads an excerpt from his novella, Thy Brother’s Blood. He also discusses our daily abuse of the environment, the trouble with podcast fiction, Marshall McLuhan, and the return of his dog Luna.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer,
The Statue of Liberty and Telling Ourselves Better Lies: Episode 126
John reads “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus. He also discusses his memories of the centennial of the Statue of Liberty, current conflicts between asylum and militarism, and a morality we can share.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer,
An American in Athens: Episode 125
John records his first visit to the Greek capital and watches from abroad as the United States loses its soul. He also reads passages of The Libation Bearers, by Aeschylus, and communes with Socrates.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist, biographer, a
Atomic Backfires and the Alternatives: Episode 124
John reads a passage from Atomic Backfires, a new book he helped edit. He discusses childish nuclear politics, war in Iran, good intentions and unintended consequences, and the importance of research.Atomic Backfires: When Nuclear Policies Fail, is available, open-access, at https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-edited-volume/6076/Atomic-BackfiresWhen-Nuclear-Policies-Fail. It is also available in hard
A World Wide Web of Consequence: Episode 123
John reads the opening of his brand new novella, Thy Brother’s Blood. He also discusses the virtues of resistance, surprising fiction, the challenges of being human, and why it’s good to be uncertain.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer
Who Finds a Melody?: Episode 122
John reads excerpts of his poem “Prophesy II,” from his chapbook Apocrypha. He also discusses poetry in a time of war, the mysticism of the writing process, his literary Catholicism, and David Bowie.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer,
Get Your Sh* t Together or Die Faster: Episode 121
John discusses his recent visit to Capitol Hill with a group of high school students, the new challenges of being young in the U.S. (and the world) in 2026, and how kids are treated as expendables.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, and he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographe
Walt Whitman and the Soldiers Who Never Again Respond: Episode 120
John reads Walt Whitman’s poem, “Vigil Strange I Kept on the Field One Night,” a battlefield vignette about the true costs of war, a tragic poem for a dangerous time.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, and he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer, taught history and literatur
Li Qingzhao Composes Poems, Refuses Talk: Episode 119
John reads “Emotions,” a poem by the 12th century Chinese poet Li Qingzhao. He discusses global burnout, the desire for a sense of peace (however temporary), and echoes of Wordsworth and Dickinson.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, and he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographe
The Problem with Ibsen's Solid Majority: Episode 118
John reads a monologue from Henrik Ibsen’s play “An Enemy of the People.” He discusses partisan corruption, the end of right and truth, and rereading Ibsen as Minneapolis became a battleground.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, and he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer, t
José Marti's Destiny with the Poor People: Episode 117
John reads the lyrics to the Cuban folk song “Guantanamera.” He discusses its composition, the distinguished history of political refugees in the U.S., and why the poet José Marti was a bad bunny.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, and he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer
Journalism and How Zenger's Truth Will Set Us Free: Episode 116
In this short episode, John discusses the always-embattled freedom of the press, as enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and the colonial-era trial of John Peter Zenger.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a langu
An Immigrant Nation Inherits the World: Episode 115
A vision of a post-Trump future posing as an argument for linguistic diversity, educational inclusivity, and the recognition of heritage language communities as a vital national resource.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-
The Nonviolent Struggle Over Meaning: Episode 114
What a recently-discovered Hittite tablet says about the past, present, and future of the humanities and the embattled values of humanism for an America that has lost its way.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education as
"An Evening with M. Poe": Bonus Episode
To celebrate Halloween, John reads his poem “An Evening with M. Poe,” a dramatic monologue and fictionalized episode in the gory, spooky life of Edgar Allan Poe.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He
Jefferson's Declaration Holds These Truths: Episode 113
John reads the second half of The Declaration of Independence. He discusses the almost-unbelievable echoes of the American Revolution today, the genius of Thomas Jefferson, and the rights we defend.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs
"International Relations," The Poem: Episode 112
John reads his poem “International Relations.” He discusses the virtues of reason, the scholarly method, the religion of humanism, what happens when the old ways fail to match new realities.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a langua
Cavafy's City Will Be Following You: Episode 111
John reads "The City," a poem by C.P. Cavafy. He also discusses the universal immigrant experience, the inescapability of the past, and why we identify with people on the run, if we're honest.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a lang
Carl Sandburg's Brawling Laughter: Episode 110
John reads “Chicago,” a poem by Carl Sandburg. He also discusses the changing fashions of American literature, and the dangers of cynicism, and celebrates the complicated diversity of American cities.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and direct
Can Emily Dickinson Teach Us Anything?: Episode 109
John reads "There's a certain slant of light," a poem by Emily Dickinson. He also discusses the joy of experiencing poetry rather than explaining poetry, and (bonus!) does a bad Bob Dylan impression.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs
Jones Very, Restless Wanderer on the Earth: Episode 108
John reads the poem "Thy Brother's Blood" by Jones Very. He also discusses the poetry of transcendence, voices of outcasts, the tradition of American messiahs, and the future of American weirdness.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a
Euripides and the Strength that Means Nothing: Episode 107
John reads Queen Hecuba's speech of mourning from The Trojan Women, a play by Euripides. He also discusses the fear that drives violence, power's war on children, and why protest is always too late.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs
"Salvator Mundi," Found and Lost: Episode 106
John reads his poem "Salvator Mundi." He also discusses the challenges of faith and authenticity, the world's most expensive painting, the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci, and the mystery of being human.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs
Isaac Rosenberg, Trying to Stay Alive: Episode 105
John reads “Returning, We Hear the Larks,” a poem by Isaac Rosenberg, written during World War I. He also discusses the heroism of immigrants, the challenges of “identity,” and surviving a war zone.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs
The Harlem Nights of Langston Hughes: Episode 104
John reads two poems by Langston Hughes, "Summer Night" and "Poem for Youth." He also discusses marginalization, the silent invisibility of the powerless, and the human yearning for freedom and joy.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs
William Blake, How It Started, How It's Going: Episode 103
John reads a passage from William Blake's poem "America: A Prophecy." He discusses early hopes for the U.S., weird freedoms, our distance from the original ideal, and the return of the Lizard King.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a
The Hope We Need When We Need It: Episode 102
John reads his poem "The Yearning Heart is Authentic," from his new chapbook Offering. He also discusses the need for spiritual renewal, the dark energy of the West, Zen monks, and St. Francis.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a lan
The Poet on Instagram: Episode 101
John reads from his first long poem/chapbook I Sit At This Desk and Dream. He also discusses what has changed since he wrote it, including the increasing violence and corruption of social media.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a la
An Alternative Energy Appears in the World: Episode 100
In this milestone episode, John reads "Tuning," a poem about cultivating new ways to exist in (and perhaps rehabilitate) a damaged society...from a forthcoming collection about peace and renewal.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a l
The Dread Reign of Edgar Allan Poe: Episode 99
In this ghastly episode, John rediscovers and reads Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, “The Sphinx,” a Gothic tale of paranoia, privilege, and pandemic. Sound familiar?John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association.
Conversation with Claire Thom of The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press: Episode 98
John speaks with Claire Thom, founding editor-in-chief of The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press, about creating an international literary community, the power of poems, the importance of giving, and…hope.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a l
Shakespeare and No Kings: Episode 97
In a time of unrest, John reads a speech from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. He also discusses the fatal flaws of tyrants and what Milton, Voltaire, Paine, George Lucas, and the Bible share.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a
Shakespeare Lets the Cat Out of the Bag: Episode 96
John reads William Shakespeare's Sonnet 129, "Th'expense of spirit in a waste of shame." He also discusses orgasmic poetry, Texas stupidity, Euripides, Dionysus, and a great Norm MacDonald joke.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a la
Amy Lowell Gives ‘Em Somethin’ To Talk About: Episode 95
John reads Amy Lowell’s poem “The Weather-Cock Points South.” He also discusses the recent wave of book-banning and repression, the universality of sex, and his pleasure in taunting the censors.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a la
Higher Education, Defended, Without Apology: Episode 94
In this special episode, John reveals a bit of his origin story and describes why the government fears universities, why universities are defined by dissent, and why Harvard really is Hogwarts.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a lan
A Tomorrow Worthy of Our Yearning: Episode 93
John reads a section of his poem/chapbook "For a minute there, it seemed like something was happening." He also discusses graduation season, balancing fear and risk, and breaking free from the past.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs
Literature at the Crossroads: Episode 92
In this special episode, John examines the role of poetry and fiction in our era, discusses new challenges for independent creators, and asks how his own writing and podcast can serve the culture.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Edi
Upton Sinclair and Responsible Regulation: Episode 91
John reads a passage of The Jungle, a novel by Upton Sinclair. He also discusses the importance of muckraking fiction, the hazards of government deregulation, and the actual survival of our society.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-E
Time is Wisdom, a Celebration: Episode 90
John reads his poem "Hopespring" on the third anniversary of the Wee Sparrow Poetry Press, and discusses the need for hope, international collaboration, and positive action in a profoundly stupid era.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co
St. John on the Homefront: Episode 89
John reads his poem “Agapetos” from his chapbook Apocrypha. He also discusses the vulnerable in times of struggle, the relationship between poetry and religion, and the humility of John the Apostle. John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co
Flying Unfriendly Skies: Episode 88
John reads a passage from his chapbook-length poem Terminal D. He also discusses the global warming of air travel, Extinction Rebellion, and civil disobedience in Henry David Thoreau’s backyard.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Edito
Humanities, the Heart of the Matter: Episode 87
In this special episode, John discusses the fight to save the humanities, his experiences as a traveling salesman of humanism, and what George Lucas, John Lithgow, and Yo-Yo Ma all have in common. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com
Mark Twain, Taking Up “Wickedness” Again: Episode 86
John reads a passage from Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He also discusses the tricks of conscience, the fight for human dignity and decency, and a masterful speech by Conan O’Brien.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Edi
Renewal From Every Angle: Episode 85
John reads his poem “Testimony,” recently published in the journal Canary—a poem that says everything he wants to say right now about spring, and nature, and awe, and humility.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond
Words as Weapons: Episode 84
John reads his poem “The First March” from his collection The Americans. He also discusses the challenges of protest and the devaluation of language in an age of slogans, algorithms, AI, and big data.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co
Anna Akhmatova, Burdened: Episode 83
John reads "In Memoriam, July 19, 1914," a poem by Anna Akhmatova. He also discusses the absurdities of war, witnesses to history, people as commodities, and writers who stay and fight.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across
The Poet Auditions for Battle: Episode 82
John reads from his poem/pamphlet “From Eyes Stricken.” He also discusses writing in a trance, American literature in crisis, the poems of Czeslaw Milosz, and feeling like it’s now or never.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Ac
What Judas Iscariot May Have Heard: Episode 81
John reads his poem “Iscariot” from his chapbook Apocrypha. He also discusses the importance of being honest, the slow creep of corruption, and tosses in a little Velvet Underground for good measure.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-
Muhammad Ali, The World's Champion: Episode 80
In this special episode, John discusses his experiences as a writer of nonfiction, our national reckoning with history, the tragedies of the American story, and the extraordinary life of Muhammad Ali.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co
Idiocy Visits My Vegetable Garden: Episode 79
John reads his poem “We Purchased a Pile of Dirt.” He also discusses the ecology of the economy, the economy of ecology, the truth about scarcity, raised-bed gardening, and fighting fools with joy.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Ed
Apocrypha and the Mad Ones: Episode 78
John reads his poem "Intertestamental" from his chapbook Apocrypha. He discusses our present need for spiritual renewal, the benefits of writing our own scripture, and Walt Whitman's American Bible.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-E
Thoreau's Original Relation to the Universe: Episode 77
John reads a passage of “Civil Disobedience” by Henry David Thoreau. He also discusses what it means to be self-reliant, how to get clean in a corrupt society, and why we can only get clean together.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-
The Real Self-Help: Episode 76
John reads his poem “What Have We Learned.” He discusses the new age of anxiety, his skepticism about advice poems, and our duty to find our own feet first, and fast, before we can help anyone else.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-E
The Baby Boomer Fade-Away: Episode 75
John reads his poem “Our Fathers” from his chapbook On Self-Expression After the Revolution. He also discusses generational conflict, Baby Boomer lunacy, and the therapeutic virtues of a “gut poem.”John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-E
This Poem is for the Birds: Episode 74
John reads his poem "Why I Say 'I Love You.'" He also discusses literary inspirations, offers some "pure, sincere, unironic" meditations on love and poetry, and identifies the ultimate poetic coda.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Ed
What Do Americans Believe?: Episode 73
John reads his poem “We were typical boys” from his chapbook All the Lonely American Roads. He also discusses childhood history lessons, competing worldviews, and our big dilemma in the year ahead. John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-E
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